Windows 10 was supposed to be a smooth rollout. The initial plan of Microsoft was to install a Get Windows App to check if your computer is fully prepared to receive the Windows 10 upgrade. In a blog post, Microsoft said that the Get Windows App would try to fix issues and notify you if you have to contact the manufacturers of your hardware parts. Only when satisfied would Get Windows App give the go-ahead for upgrading to Windows 10. However, it also launched Media Creation Tool and made it public instead of limiting it to Windows Insiders. And that has caused a multitude of issues to arise for many. Anyway, help is at hand – 24/7. You can not only use the Contact Support App in Apps under Start, but you can also get help live in any Microsoft Store for free.
Microsoft Answer Desk has a range of options for you to get help – most of the methods are free, and for some high-level problems – basically unlimited software support – they’ll charge you some money. I am covering everything I know about this Answer Desk in this post. But first, I will talk about my experience with the Get Support App in a few lines.
Using Get Support App
When one of our readers complained about shutdown problems, I asked Microsoft directly and opened the Get Support App. The app gave me three options: call, chat and visit Microsoft Answers. Since a long-distance call was impossible and Microsoft Answers is an arrow shot in the dark, I decided to go for a chat, and the experience was good. I got connected to a CSE without waiting, and the issue was resolved within minutes. I include it, so you know how easy it has become to contact the once unreachable Microsoft support.
Microsoft Answers Desk
Coming back to Microsoft Answer Desk, it is another step by Microsoft to help you in all possible ways – that too, free in almost all cases, especially if it is related to Windows 10. You get the following options:
- Microsoft Answers (No need to use it when you can call or chat for free)
- Chat support (free for Windows 10)
- Phone support (also free)
- Get help from a nearby Microsoft store (free in almost all cases)
With all these Microsoft Support options available, you won’t have to jump from one forum to another, anticipating someone might help you regarding your Windows 10 issues. Of course, there are some known issues about which Microsoft may not be able to help straight away, but for other problems – like upgrading to Windows 10 – each channel is just as perfect.
Get Windows Help & Support from Microsoft Store
I am not including chat and phone support as you might already be acquainted with the modes. And since Microsoft Answers is posted your issue and waited for days for someone to respond, it will leave it out as well. Until a few days back, the hold and wait times were long, but Microsoft has added more CSEs to reduce your wait time. As said above, I could contact a live representative as soon as I clicked on chat support using the Get Support app.
Microsoft Stores have trained and knowledgeable personnel who can help you with various things associated with Windows 10. All you have to do is fix an appointment (so that you don’t have to wait) and go to the store with your device. The people there will resolve the issue for you. Not only that, but they will also help you upgrade to Windows 10 in case you cannot do it yourself. They won’t charge anything as simple as upgrading the OS or troubleshooting it for some petty issue.
Paid Support for Windows 11/10
There are six cases—three for software and three for hardware issues—listed on the Microsoft Answer Desk that will require you to pay for support. But these are more generic issues and a kind of insurance.
Under software assistance, the following are paid support for Windows 11/10:
- Assure Software Plan: Costs $149 for software maintenance, virus removal, PC tune-ups, and personal training
- Premium Support Software: You get one-on-one support sessions with Tech Support personnel, and the support costs $99 for a year
- Virus Removal: This too costs $99 for a year and is limited to malware protection and malware removal
Coming to Hardware paid support for Windows 10, Microsoft gives you the following options:
- Microsoft Complete Accident Protection for Surface: This will cost you $ 149 and is more like insurance for your Surface. It provides accident coverage for your device and unlimited support for all software that you use on the device
- Microsoft Complete Extended Service Plan for Laptops: It is the same as the above but applies to any laptop. For $129, you get accident coverage and unlimited software support.
- Microsoft Complete Extended Service for Xbox: Again, accident coverage and unlimited software support – cost $69
Though paid support is more of an insurance policy with unlimited software support, the best method is to visit the Redmond store to get your issues fixed. If you do not have time to visit a store physically, phone and chat support are best. Based on my own experience, I can say that Microsoft Support has improved, and you can talk to Support easily within minutes of dialing or clicking on chat mode.
Check out the Microsoft Store web page to know more about the support for Windows 10 options. This post shows additional options on how to get help in Windows 10.
Can I chat with a Microsoft agent?
Yes, you can change with a Microsoft agent using online support, but it may take some time. Microsoft offers it through their contact page which opens the Get Help App on Windows or you can use the browser.
What is the use of Windows help support?
It provides step-by-step instructions for completing almost any task in Windows, as well as information on much more than just Windows and Windows-related topics.
